Visiting this park is about experiencing the lush foliage, hearing the melodious chirping of birds, and being amazed by the distinct allure of nature. It’s an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, known for its famous tiger reserve and bird sanctuary. With its remarkable combination of natural splendor and peacefulness, this park is a highly recommended tourist destination in Karnataka.
Bandipur National Park is an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, known for its renowned tiger reserve and bird sanctuary. The park has become the top picnic destination in Karnataka due to its popularity among passionate nature lovers and families. This park offers everything one could wish for to have a perfect picnic, including a diverse range of flora and fauna, such as wild elephants, gaurs, antelopes, and spotted deer.
Tourist attractions of Bandipur National Park
- Wildlife Safari
- Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
- Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple
- Anjaneyar Temple
- Biligirirangan Hills
1. Wildlife Safari
Many wildlife enthusiasts consider exploring the dense forests of India as the ultimate vacation experience. If you’re planning a trip to Mysore this winter, we highly recommend adding Bandipur Safari to your itinerary. Situated in Karnataka, Bandipur National Park is well-known for its abundant biodiversity and is among the top destinations for tiger safaris in India, following the Ranthambore National Park. Covering an area of 874 square km, the park is home to several endangered species of flora and fauna. The park boasts the largest population of wild elephants in South Asia, and it is jointly governed and managed by two significant states, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The park’s strategic location along the Mysore-Ooty highways attracts a considerable number of tourists every year. It presents an excellent opportunity to spot tigers and other wildlife species in their natural habitat.
For individuals who adore animals, adventure, nature, and photography, the Bandipur Jungle Safari is a delightful experience. During the Bandipur National Park Safari, visitors can explore the park’s different safari zones, with Gypsy/Jeep Safari, Canter Safari, and Elephant Safari being significant attractions for spotting tigers and other animals. While the best time to visit the park is from October to March, it’s essential to book Bandipur Safari in advance due to the significant rush during this period. The park doesn’t offer a Night Safari. If you choose complete safari packages, make sure they include all safari prices.
Bandipur Safari Zones
There are 5 zones for Safari in Bandipur, and the wildlife of each zone is sustaining on different rivers passing through the park.
| Zones | Description |
| East Zone | The Bandipur safari’s East zone is ideal for observing carnivorous animals and birdwatching. The area’s dry deciduous and moist deciduous trees create a mesmerizing environment. |
| Central Zone | During your Bandipur Safari, you’ll encounter the stunning Nugu River in the park’s central region, where you can witness animals resting and quenching their thirst. The park’s highest summit is the Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, which is popular among trekkers and pilgrims. This zone is known for its Hindu Temple and Sandalwood trees. As there are numerous water holes, elephant sightings are common in this area. |
| North West Zone | As you head towards the North West Zone on your Bandipur Safari, you’ll come across the park’s main water source, the Kabini River, where visitors can enjoy boating and spot various wildlife during the summer season. The area is dominated by dry deciduous and tropical forests and looks even more enchanting during the monsoon. |
| South Zone | The Moyar river flows through the south region, which is renowned for sighting a variety of wildlife such as squirrels, jungle cats, elephants, bison, and more. |
| North Zone | This area is known for the Kabini river, which runs through along with two streams, and is therefore popular for thrilling activities like backwater boating. During the summer season, when the rivers dry up, bird watching and fishing are common pastimes. |
Bandipur offers three types of safaris:
1. Jeep Safari / Gypsy Safari: This safari can accommodate up to 6 people and is the most comfortable option for both adults and children. It is recommended to book in advance on the official website or through Bandipur National Park safari packages.
2. Canter Safari: This safari is suitable for groups and can accommodate 15-20 people at a time.
3. Elephant Safari: This safari can only accommodate 4 adults at a time and is not recommended for those with small children.
Bandipur Safari Cost and Duration
| Safari Name | Safari Duration | Safari Cost |
| Jeep Safari / Gypsy Safari | 2-3 Hours | INR 500/adult (including Entry and Guide fee) |
| Canter Safari | 2 Hour | INR 300/person (including Entry and Guide fee) |
| Elephant Safari | 1 Hour | 500/Person |
Best Time to Visit for Bandipur Safari
The optimal time to visit Bandipur Safari is influenced by the climatic conditions in India and the season.
The winter season, which runs from October to March, is generally the best time for Bandipur Safari. This period provides visitors with a chance to witness a diverse range of flora and fauna, including wild animals that can enhance the beauty of the natural surroundings.
The monsoon season, which takes place from July to September, is particularly picturesque due to the plentiful rain and provides tourists with a comfortable setting to explore the dense forests of Jim Corbett.
During the summer season, it is ideal for spotting tigers because of the warm weather conditions during the daytime. This is the perfect time to visit the park if you can withstand the heat.
Bandipur Safari Timings
| Type of Safari | Morning Trip | Evening Trip |
| Jeep Safari | 6:00 am – 9:00 am | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Bus Safari | 6:30 am – 9:00 am | 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| Elephant Safari | 10 am – 11:00 am | n/a |
How to Reach Bandipur National Park
- By Road: Government and private buses, as well as cabs, are available to reach the park from major cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- By Airways: The nearest international airport is Bangalore International Airport, which is about 255 km away. The nearest domestic airport is Coimbatore Airport, which is about 84 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mysore railway station, which is about 80 km away from the park.
2. Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
The Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, constructed in the traditional Dravidian style, is dedicated to Lord Rangaswamy, the deity of the Soliga tribe. According to legend, the Lord uses two large sandals to roam the forest at night. The temple hosts an ancient festival in April, during the month of Vaishakh. The temple offers basic accommodation facilities and is located near a 1000-foot drop to the forest below. Visitors can climb 220 steps to reach the temple or trek their way up. The temple also offers stunning viewpoints, such as the sunset point nearby. A special puja is conducted for the deities on Fridays.
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Travel Tips
- The place is replete with monkeys. Take care of your food and belongings.
- The forests have a whole lot of wildlife lurking. Watch your steps.
- Try not to disturb or encroach upon the natural territories of the wild much.
- Maintain the sanctity of the temple.
- Footwear is not allowed inside the temple.
- People are greeted by folding of hands into a “namaste”.
- Food is available here for purchase.
- Camera and video facilities are allowed.
Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Timings
- The Temple stays open at the same timing on all days of the week, including public holidays.
How to Reach Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
- Bus: KSRTC buses and private buses ply from the nearby cities of Bangalore and Mysore.
Love this? Explore the entire list of Place to visit in Bandipur before you plan your trip.
3. Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta is a hill located in the core zone of Western Ghats and can be accessed by a road through Hangala village in the north of Bandipur National Park. The hill is often covered in mist and is known for its ancient temple dedicated to Gopalaswamy or Lord Krishna. The name Himvad comes from the mist that covers the hill, Betta means hill, and Gopalaswamy refers to Lord Krishna. The temple was built seven centuries ago and is also known as South Govardhanagiri and Kamalachala. It was built in the 14th century and is dedicated to Lord Gopalaswamy or Krishna, installed by the rishi Agasthya. The temple faces North and was built by King Chola Ballala in AD 1315. The Wodeyars of Mysore, who were devotees of Lord Venugopala, were keen on maintaining the temple. Wild elephants often roam around the hills as they are a part of the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary.
Gundlupet is home to several ancient temples that boast impressive architecture from centuries ago, including the Himavad Gopalaswamy temple. This temple, dedicated to Gopalaswamy, a name for the Hindu deity Krishna, is an exceptional example of the skill and artistry of craftsmen from the past.
The temple’s gopuram, or gateway tower, is only one level and sits atop the compound wall of the enclosure. Within the inner-porch or mukha mantapa, there is a dhwajastambha, a flag-pillar, and a bali-peetam, a sacrificial altar. On the parapet wall of the mukha mantapa, the sculpture of the dashavatara, or the ten avatars of the Hindu god Vishnu, can be seen, with the center portion depicting Krishnavatara, or the avatar of Vishnu where he appeared as Krishna. The garbha griha, or the sanctum sanctorum, has a shikhara tower and houses an impressive 6-foot-tall idol of Krishna standing under a tree, holding a flute. The idol is in a dancing posture, with the left big toe resting on the right one. The prabhavali or panel behind the idol is simple yet grand, featuring carvings of a tree, the Lord’s friends, his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama, cows, cowherds, and other icons and characters from Krishna’s avatar. On the right side of the panel, cows and cowherds are prominently featured.
A unique aspect of the temple is the constant dripping of cold water above the door leading to the garbha griha throughout the year. Visitors can take plenty of stunning photographs of the surrounding hills, lush greenery, and the impressive architecture of the shrine. The temple’s priest patiently narrates the legends associated with the temple and sprinkles water on the devotees.
This location is well-known for its scenic beauty and significant religious importance. The hills have flat grassy tracts where elephants, deer, and rabbits reside, while the slopes are covered with dense forests that are home to tigers and leopards.
If you’ve ever imagined walking in the clouds or touching them, this is the perfect place to make that dream come true and be on cloud nine! The branches of trees are covered in sphagnum moss, and various species of Orchids found only in the Western Ghats are embedded in the mossy branches.
The forest on Himavad Gopalaswamy Hill is rich with valuable wood, such as rosewood and teakwood. As a part of the Bandipur wildlife sanctuary, the hills are frequently visited by wild elephants that graze there. Additionally, the hills are home to various bird species, including peacocks, parrots, forest hens, and pelicans. It’s impossible not to instantly fall in love with this place upon visiting.
An interesting fact about this place is that crows are not found here, as legend has it that a crow once took a dip in the nearby pond and transformed into a swan, after which no crows were spotted in the area.
Furthermore, this location is renowned for its stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and visitors can witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from the top.
Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple – Festival and Jathra Details
The Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple holds an annual festival called Gopalaswamy Brahma Rathotsava car festival, which takes place every year during the months of Phalguna Masa – Sravana, typically in the final week of March. The unique feature of this festival is that the chariot is pulled by bamboo creepers collected from the forest.
The most auspicious days of the year for this temple are during Sravana masa. Every Saturday during this month, a special pooja is conducted and the temple is flooded with thousands of devotees.
4. Biligirirangan Hills
Located in the Chamrajanagar district of Karnataka, Biligirirangana Hills, also known as B R Hills, serve as a beautiful natural connection between the Western and Eastern Ghats. As per legend, a wandering Scottish man introduced coffee to the region, and a coffee estate was established in Honnametti, near the ‘Honnametti Kallu,’ a boulder that shines like metal when struck with a rock. The Soliga tribe considers the boulder to be made of gold and regards it as nature’s gift. B R Hills feature a distinctive topography, with a rolling landscape dotted with hilly areas and waterfalls that provide an excellent sightseeing experience. There is an ancient temple and wildlife sanctuary located amidst the hills, which serve as excellent tourist attractions.
